Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Information and Public Relations Shafi Jan along with Special Assistant to Chief Minister on Tourism and Culture Malik Adil Iqbal in a video message welcomed the record influx of tourists to province during Eid-ul-Adha and said that whether it is Eid-ul-Fitr or Eid-ul-Adha, tourists from across Pakistan as well as foreign visitors have consistently been attracted to province’s scenic tourist destinations over the past several years.
Shafi Jan said that provincial government is taking comprehensive measures to provide best facilities to tourists. Large number of visitors to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is clear evidence that province is not only blessed with natural beauty but is also considered among safest tourist destinations in the country. He added that government is actively introducing new tourist sites and taking practical steps to further develop tourism sector.
On the occasion, Special Assistant on Tourism and Culture Malik Adil Iqbal said that under the vision of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Founder Chairman Imran Khan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi for the promotion of tourism, excellent facilities were provided to tourists during Eid-ul-Adha.
He informed that Eid holidays of Tourism Police personnel were cancelled to ensure uninterrupted services, while tourist facilitation centres established at various tourist destinations remained fully operational throughout the Eid holidays.
According to Malik Adil Iqbal, from May 27 to May 31, a total of 1,267,568 tourists visited various tourist attractions across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including merged districts. The figure included approximately 200 foreign tourists. Statistics show that Swat Valley received highest number of visitors, with 416,794 tourists recorded during Eid-ul-Adha. Naran Valley welcomed 187,954 tourists, while Galiyat attracted 148,828 visitors.
He further stated that a total of 394,682 tourists visited various tourist destinations in merged districts. South Waziristan recorded 144,000 visitors, while 92,112 tourists visited District Orakzai.
Malik Adil Iqbal said that tourism-related activities during Eid-ul-Adha generated an estimated revenue of Rs 8 to 12 billion for the province. He added that record influx of tourists reflects growing public confidence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s tourism-friendly policies, effective management, services of Tourism Police, and facilities provided to visitors. He noted that this trend would further strengthen both the tourism sector and the local economy.